Hi all,
As the online assessments have just been released for the Third Secretary competition 2022, I thought we could use this forum to discuss the process.
It appears the format is slightly different this year? More time and questions.
Really? Wish I had gone for this now. Thought of it before but I know it's super competitive.
I was successful in the interview in the second round and made the panel. I just wanted to let those from the third round know that it can be a really long process. It took PAS 3 weeks to send an email asking for documents (diplomas, transcripts, etc.) for Garda clearance. I also had to get police clearance from abroad, then I had to get employer/academic references. And now I’m waiting for the PAS to sign off on everything (still not 100% sure what that means). And that’s all without having received a formal offer. So if you’re someone who currently isn’t working I’d really suggest you get a job in the meantime because it looks like I may not even start working until September and I interviewed at the end of March.
Cheers for the info.
So long ! Thanks for the insight :)
Happy to have made it through batch 3 interviews and 7 on OOM. Sounds like it'll be another few months before I get called.
Would be great to hear from people who have taken up the role in the last few months, how is it going?
Well done! I'm a little bit down the line from yourself. Do you think the batch 2 cohort will have to receive offers before we get asked for clearance? I'm not too optimistic but I've been told by friends that I should get called eventually. Keep us updated if you get called for clearance and good luck!
Okay so just to give you an update, PAS officially confirmed via the Public Jobs message portal that I am being assigned as a Third Secretary. Someone from DFA HR reached out and said that they actually have immediate vacancies to fill (which I really didn't get any indication of from PAS) and are keen to have me start as soon as possible. They still have to assign me to a unit and send a contract, which they said they will do soon. But hopefully this is good news for those who are eager to start!
Hello,
Have been stalking this thread for a few months now and am appreciative of everyone's contributions. I'm sure I'm not the only one who does so! :)
I've been placed 3rd on the OOM following this 3rd round of interviews. I'm hoping to start soon but as IRL_25 suggests, it might be quite a while. I know people in DFA already who say there are a lot of Third Sec vacancies but it seems that the slow down is because of resourcing issues on the PAS side. Just said I'd leave a comment and say that as soon as I hear anything, I'll comment. I know it's helped me mentally process the whole competition seeing how people get on/when they're contacted etc.
From an anxious worrier!!
This sounds pretty promising. If they clear up the issues in PAS, it could start moving again
Fascinating. Good luck.
May I ask if you really want to go into DFA for the security of employment or as Kennedy asked are you looking to see what you can do for your country?
May I ask how long it took between being called for clearance, and official PAS confirm that you are cleared and being assigned? I've just submitted all my docs. I know it probably depends on your background, where you lived, etc.
It took almost exactly two months from the date that I was called for clearance and the date that I received the official assignment message from PAS via the online portal. However, that's because I was extremely quick with submitting all the documents, and getting the employer/academic references, which they only asked for 6 weeks after calling me for clearance. Also, it's important to add that they still have not carried out the security clearance (which is different from police clearance), however, they're willing to let me start before this is completed.
I would imagine that it could be quicker if you don't need police clearance from abroad, which I did.
That's so helpful - thanks IRL_25 :) I've lived abroad too and got my documents to them quickly, so hopefully it's a similar timeframe.
PAS contacted me there last week to say DFA would be in touch for clearance and if I don't like that I can request PAS themselves to run the clearance. Seems like it is going pretty fast.
yesss me too! Hopefully it does.
I just received a message though publicjobs yesterday asking to email an expression of interest if I was still interested in the TS post. I scored 33 in the precis. Says interview will take place early August but also says an expression of interest in not a guarantee that you will be called fro interview.
Got called for clearance documents. The prospect of looking for a room to rent in Dublin is becoming real :S
Clearance took around 3 and a half weeks. Now PAS needs to sign off. Pretty quick
Got a start date for October, looking forward to it. Would be great to link up with any other new starters :D
Congratulations! Can I ask when was your interview?
me too! But I'm starting at the end of this month. Very quick. Best of luck :)
Thanks :D My interview was in early June. My start date is a little late due to the notice period at my current job.
Thanks for the update. That's quite a quick turnaround time! Are you allowed to say where you were on your OOM? I'm attempting to make a long-term plan for myself... but's it's understandably difficult when you're on a panel.
How did you get on?
I got 36 in the DSO precis. Anyone who got 38+ was invited to interview in May. At this stage, what are the chances of them inviting anyone with a score of 37 or lower?
I was 7 on OOM after the interview. Agreed, the uncertainty is the worst!
Would the qualification of a 2.2 in a Level 9 Masters Degree be sufficient under the requirement:
hold a first or second-class honours degree (minimum of Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications). Consideration may be given to relevant qualifications as deemed equivalent by the Public Appointments Service.
Another question is whether would it be possible for admittance into the role without the knowledge of another language but a willingness to learn one to the Department's requirements.
For the first I'm not sure, but I would presume what you have is fine.
For the second - from what I remember you get extra points , anything from 0 to 30 for your language skills. So if you're good enough in the other parts of the application process then no, you don't need those 30 points. But it's so competitive you would need some of the 30 anyway I would think.
Might be of interest to some here.
New DSO competition here: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/working-with-us/career-opportunities/development-specialist-officer.php
EDIT: Just saw I was beaten to it!
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